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Clear skin doesnt have to break the bank.
Photo:Real Simple
Real Simple
As someone who struggles with dry skin, I spend a lot of time thinking about skincare.
Here atReal Simple, were great at finding products that are effective rather than expensive.
Here are our favorite skincare brands that will make you and your wallet happy.
CeraVe.
Our Top Picks
CeraVe
The product assortment is great for sensitive or severely dry skin.
There arent high concentrations of active ingredients.
I have psoriasis on my leg, and CeraVe is one of the few brands that doesnt irritate it.
The Moisturizing Cream andDaily Moisturizing Lotionare both staples in my routine.
The unscented formulas are super gentle, so you wont have to stress about any irritation.
Shopping writerLauren Taylor, who deals with rosacea and dry skin, vouches that these products areactuallynon-irritating.
And if youre looking for something more specialized for your skin throw in, CeraVes got you covered.Dr.
Three of our editors swear by The Ordinary as a staple in their skincare routines.
The brands formulas target skin texture, including exfoliating products, masks, peels, toners, and serums.
Yes, I do, associate editorial directorTaylor Rocksays.
It works, too.
It doesnt have many products designed for anti-aging.
While our list is packed with affordable skincare brands, Good Molecules rivals EOS for the lowest price point.
Considering the impressive quality, theyre a real steal.
With such budget-friendly options, the brand makes it easy to experiment with new products with no commitment.
Good Molecules is loved for its targeted treatments that tackle dullness and hyperpigmentation.
It also stands out for its variety of cleanser styles.
Not only is it super affordable (yes, its $8), but itactuallyworks.
The serums dont come with droppers, which might bother some people.
The Inkey List launched in Sephora in 2019, and the brand has been gaining serious traction ever since.
Every serum and cleanser is under $20.
PHOTO: The Ordinary
you’re able to even build your own bundle for extra value.
Just a note: all of the serums come in tubes instead of traditional dropper bottles.
Senior shopping editorEuna Parkis a big fan of the brandshe especially loves theOat Cleansing BalmandSalicylic Acid Cleanser.
She also swears by salicylic acid for her oily combination skin.
With consistent use, shes noticed fewer breakouts.
This brand is great for skincare beginners, too.
The brand is best for those with either oily or very dry skin.
Made with a combination of snail mucin and sodium hyaluronate, it helps plump and smooth skin.
Plus, a little goes a long way, so youll really get a bang for your buck.
I got a little overzealous with the retinoids and chemical exfoliants, and my skin was flaky and irritated.
I started using this daily after cleansing, before moisturizing, and my skin improved within a week!
But the Korean skincare brand isnt just known for its snail mucin moisturizer.
Weve found CosRxs products work best for those with very oily or very dry skin.
Products can be a bit hit or miss.
In fact, the four dermatologists we interviewed also recommend the brand.
PHOTO: Amazon
Ray Kleinfelderof Lux Dermatology is also a fan of the brands sun protection, especially thePurescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen.
It comes in four shades for a perfect color matchand the best part?
In addition to the brands effectiveness, its also accessible.
Its on the high end of affordable.
La Roche-Posay is the goldilocks of skincare brandsits products have a high-quality texture with drugstore-level prices and accessibility.
It was my favorite drugstore moisturizer to test creamy enough to hydrate without feeling heavy on the skin.Dr.
That said, the brands a bit pricier than other options on our list.
While most of the products are under $25, a few of the serums are more expensive.
However, we think its quality justifies the cost.
The fragrances may be too strong for some.
Ive tried several of the products myself, and I can confidently say theyre the real deal.
True to its name, EOS (evolution of smooth) really does leave my skin feeling next-level smooth.
She actually got compliments from her roommates on how great the smell was.
Theshave oilhas also become an obsession of mine.
Ive been using theVanilla Cashmere Body Lotionafter I shower, and it feels like a warm, delicious hug.
PHOTO: Sephora
It doesnt have a lot of products for sensitive skin or irritation.
Olay is a tried-and-true favorite among our editors for its reasonably priced, easy-to-find products.
Olays lotions feel nice and light and have a subtle fragrance so they’re perfect for everyday wear.
After trying theSuper Serumon her textured post-summer skin, shopping writerWendy Vasquezwas totally hooked.
Thefive-in-one serumtackles dryness, fine lines, dullness, and more, making it the ultimate skincare hack.
One product that you definitely dont need to splurge on?
All the dermatologists we interviewed say that you dont need to spend a lot on moisturizer or sunscreen either.
It used to be that more expensive meant more cosmetically elegant.
Products that are worth splurging on are serums and some targeted treatments.
Ive even tested 10 drugstore facial moisturizers to find the bestspoiler alert: it wasLa Roche Posay.
Annabelle Garciaof Sonterra Dermatology,Dr.
Reshmi Kapoor, the owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology, andDr.
Ray Kleinfelderof Lux Dermatology.
PHOTO: Cosrx
PHOTO: Neutrogena
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Walmart
PHOTO: Amazon
